Luxembourg's show of solidarity for refugees

Around 200 people gathered in Luxembourg on Monday evening to show their support for asylum seekers in Europe and to call on governments to act.

15.09.2015

(JB) Around 200 people gathered in Luxembourg on Monday evening to show their support for asylum seekers in Europe and to call on governments to act.

Scores of people, some bearing banners, braved the rain and wind to gather at Place de l'Europe, next to the Philharmonie, after responding to a call for action posted on Facebook by concerned Luxembourger Monique Dabé.

“There have been several initiatives started on Facebook to help asylum seekers. They have grown so much I thought let's at least do a demonstration to show that in Luxembourg we are in solidarity with refugees,” Ms Dabé said.

The debate on how to respond to the refugee crisis in Europe has been divisive, in some cases provoking hateful and violent responses.
While Ms Dabé said that she only received positive comments on Facebook in response to her call to action, police were not so trusting.

They took precautions with around six police officers surrounding the peaceful group. They also secured the area beside the European Parliament building.

Demonstration participants ranged from politicians including Yves Cruchten and MEP Claude Turmes, associations such as Amnesty Luxembourg and Asti and asylum seekers.

“I want people to know that we are normal people and not as dangerous as they think. We're just human beings that need help,” said Ayham, a 22-year-old Syrian aslyum seeker who came to Luxembourg in June 2014.

He praised the reception he has received in Luxembourg, saying: “It's really rare to have a bad experience here in Luxembourg.” Ayham is also among a handful of guest students to have been accepted at the University of Luxembourg.

A number of formal and informal initiatives have been established in Luxembourg in recent weeks to support asylum seekers. Luxembourger Françoise explained that she invited a group of Syrians to her home for a social gathering

“We started going out together. The idea was so they can be in contact with local people, they can practice their German or, if there's a need, help,” she explained, adding: “That's why I'm here as well, to show solidarity and to put pressure on politicians.”

Ms Dabé showed great enthusiasm for such initiatives in which locals can act as buddies or mentors for asylum seekers. She said she hoped that it would become an official project.